Circular No. 15/2013/TT-BCA on funeral arrangements for public security officers

CIRCULAR

Regulations on Funeral Rites in the People's Public Security Force

Pursuant to Decree No. 77/2009/NĐ-CP dated September 15, 2009 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Public Security;

Pursuant to the Government Decree No. 105/2012/NĐ-CP dated December 17, 2012 on the organization of funerals for officials, civil servants, and public employees;

After consultation with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism via Circular No. 606/BVHTTDL-TCCB dated February 28, 2013;

At the proposal of the Director General of the General Department for Building the Public Security Force,

The Minister of Public Security promulgates this Circular regulating funeral rites in the People's Public Security Force.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular stipulates the organization of funerals for officers, non-commissioned officers, soldiers, students, and civilian staff of the People's Public Security Force (hereinafter referred to collectively as public security officers) who have died while on duty or due to illness or accidents; retired public security officers who have passed away; funeral expenses; visiting regulations for public security officers and their relatives; village police chiefs, deputy chiefs, and village police officers who have died while on duty or due to illness.

Article 2. Applicability

1. Scope of application:

a) Public security officers who have died while on duty or due to illness or accidents;

b) Retired public security officers who have passed away;

c) Relatives of public security officers; village police chiefs, deputy chiefs, and village police officers who have died while on duty or due to illness.

2. Non-applicable Subjects:

a) Public security officers who have died by suicide or due to disciplinary action resulting in the revocation of their title as a member of the People's Public Security Force or dismissal from service;

b) Relatives of public security officers; village police chiefs, deputy chiefs, and village police officers who have died by suicide or due to criminal prosecution.

3. In special cases, the decision on organizing the funeral shall be made by the leadership of the main unit.

Article 3. Principles

1. Funerals organized according to the rituals of the People's Public Security Force must ensure solemnity, thoroughness, economy, and suitability with national traditions and civilized lifestyles; they shall not combine the rituals of the People's Public Security Force with local customs and practices; cremation and electric cremation are encouraged.

2. The level of funeral organization shall be based on the rank and position held by the officer at the time of death. If the officer held multiple positions at the time of death, the funeral shall be organized according to the highest position.

Article 4. Forms of Funeral

1. State-level funeral.

2. High-level funeral within the People's Public Security Force.

3. Funeral for serving officers with ranks up to Senior Colonel.

4. Funeral for retired public security officers.

5. Funeral for civilian staff of the People's Public Security Force.

Article 5. Responsibility for Organizing Funerals

Funerals organized according to the rituals of the People's Public Security Force include: mourning ceremony, memorial service, funeral procession, burial ceremony (or cremation, electric cremation). The level of funeral organization according to the rituals of the People's Public Security Force shall be determined based on the rank, position, work history of the deceased, and specific conditions.

1. Public security officers who die while on duty belong to which unit or locality shall be organized by that unit or locality. If the officer dies far from the unit or locality where they were working, the Public Security unit or locality where the officer died shall organize the funeral; the unit where the officer worked shall send representatives to assist.

The main unit organizing the funeral shall establish a Funeral Committee, an Organization Committee, develop a plan, assign tasks, manage and ensure funding, and settle accounts according to regulations.

2. For retired public security officers residing in a locality who pass away, the Public Security agency of that locality shall participate together with the Party committee, local government, and family in organizing the funeral. Specifically, for public security officers who worked in units under the Ministry and retired in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, the unit where the officer worked before retirement shall participate together with the Party committee, local government, and family in organizing the funeral.

a) In case the unit where the officer worked before retirement has been divided or merged, the unit receiving the part of the work of the officer before retirement shall participate together with the Party committee, local government, and family in organizing the funeral.

b) In case the unit where the officer worked before retirement has been dissolved:

- If the former unit belonged to a General Department (or was assigned to a General Department for supervision and management by the Ministry), then the Political Department (or the Political Logistics Department or the General Staff Department) of that General Department shall participate together with the Party committee, local government, and family in organizing the funeral;

- If the unit directly belongs to the Ministry, then the Ministry Office shall participate together with the Party committee, local government, and family in organizing the funeral.

Article 6. Funeral Attire and Wreath

1. Attire

a) For those who have sacrificed their lives or passed away:

- Police officers who have sacrificed their lives or passed away shall wear winter ceremonial uniform (if there is no ceremonial uniform, they may wear winter or spring-summer uniform), with insignia, single pine branch, and socks; the kepi hat should be placed on the chest, with the badge facing upwards towards the head of the deceased; leather shoes should be placed beside both feet;

- Non-commissioned officers, soldiers, and students of the People's Public Security who have sacrificed their lives or passed away shall wear winter uniform (or spring-summer uniform), with insignia and badges, socks, shoes, and the kepi hat should be placed as in the case of officers;

- Civil servants of the People's Public Security who have sacrificed their lives or passed away shall wear regular attire.

b) For police officers attending the funeral:

- For state-level funerals, they shall wear the appropriate season's ceremonial uniform of the People's Public Security, with a hat;

- In other cases, they shall wear the appropriate season's uniform of the People's Public Security, with a hat.

2. Wreath Only members of the State Funeral Committee and the Funeral Organization Committee shall wear black mourning bands (7 cm wide) on the left arm.

Article 7. Other Provisions

1. The wake shall be held at the funeral home, and the funeral procession and burial ceremony shall take place on the same day.

2. If the wake is held at the family residence, depending on local customs and the family's wishes, the body of the deceased must be properly embalmed in a coffin and ensure hygiene, especially for those with infectious diseases. The coffin should not be kept for more than 48 hours from the time of embalming to the time of burial. During the wake at the family residence, music for the funeral should not be played before 6:00 AM and after 10:00 PM; sound levels must not exceed permitted noise levels; inappropriate music should not be used during the funeral.

3. Coffins of the deceased kept at the funeral home or family residence should not have glass windows on the lid.

4. Scatter paper money and gold offerings sparingly; do not scatter any type of currency issued by the State Bank of Vietnam or foreign currency during the funeral procession from the funeral home or family residence to the burial site.

Chapter II

FUNERAL ORGANIZATION

Section 1

NATIONAL FUNERAL

Article 8. Positions Entitled to State-Level Funeral

According to Clause 1, Article 21 of Decree No. 105/2012/ND-CP dated December 17, 2012 of the Government, police officials currently holding positions, having retired from positions, or holding ranks as follows when sacrificing their lives or passing away shall be entitled to a state-level funeral:

1. Member of the Politburo, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

2. Senior General of the People's Public Security.

3. Lieutenant General of the People's Public Security who was engaged in revolutionary activities prior to August 1945.

Article 9. Funeral Organization

Implement according to the provisions of Chapter 3 of Decree No. 105/2012/ND-CP dated December 17, 2012 of the Government regarding the organization of funerals for officials, civil servants, and employees. The Office of the Ministry and the General Department of Force Building of the People's Public Security are the standing agencies assisting the leadership of the Ministry in performing tasks assigned by the State Funeral Organization Committee.

Section 2

FUNERALS OF HIGH RANK IN THE PEOPLE'S PUBLIC SECURITY

Article 10. Positions Entitled to High-Rank Funerals in the People's Public Security

Current or former officials holding positions or ranks as follows when sacrificing their lives or passing away (excluding those covered under state-level funerals as stipulated in Article 8, Section 1, Chapter 1 of this Regulation) shall be entitled to high-rank funerals in the People's Public Security:

1. Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, alternate member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, member of the Party Committee of the People's Public Security, Deputy Minister, and equivalent positions.

2. Director-General, Deputy Director-General, and equivalent positions.

3. Officers holding the rank of Major General or higher.

4. Officials awarded the Independence Order of the first class or higher.

5. Officials awarded the Ho Chi Minh Prize (individual award) as Heroic Forces Soldier, Labor Hero.

Article 11. Organizing the Funeral Ceremony

1. For incumbent officials:

a) The leadership of the Ministry of Public Security shall organize the Funeral Ceremony for cases involving members of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, alternate members of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, members of the Public Security Party Committee, Deputy Ministers and equivalent positions; Directors of General Departments, Deputy Directors of General Departments and equivalent positions; officers with the rank of Major General. The General Department for Building Public Security Forces shall be the standing unit to coordinate with the units where the deceased served to assist the Ministry's leadership in organizing the Funeral Ceremony.

b) The General Departments, Military Commands shall organize high-level Funeral Ceremonies (with the General Department for Building Public Security Forces coordinating) for cases involving high-level positions remaining within their units.

c) The General Department for Building Public Security Forces shall organize high-level Funeral Ceremonies in coordination with subordinate units of the Ministry; provincial public security forces under central cities; Fire Prevention and Fighting Departments for cases involving high-level positions working at subordinate units of the Ministry and local public security forces (excluding cases organized by the Ministry's leadership as mentioned in point a above). In cases where the Municipal Party Committee or Provincial Party Committee takes charge of organizing the Funeral Ceremony, it shall be implemented according to the regulations of the locality.

2. For officials who have retired from office or have retired (except those disciplined with dismissal from office):

a) The leadership of the Ministry of Public Security shall organize the Funeral Ceremony for former members of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, members of the Public Security Party Committee, Ministers, Directors of General Departments, officers with the rank of Major General or higher.

The General Department for Building Public Security Forces shall be the standing unit to coordinate with the Ministry's Office or the unit where the official worked before retirement to assist the Ministry's leadership in organizing the Funeral Ceremony.

b) The General Departments, Military Commands where the official worked before retirement shall organize the Funeral Ceremony for officials with high-level positions remaining within their units.

For officials who have retired from subordinate units of the Ministry and hold high-level positions, the General Department for Building Public Security Forces shall organize the Funeral Ceremony. The unit where the official worked before retirement shall be the standing unit to coordinate with relevant units to assist the General Department for Building Public Security Forces in organizing the Funeral Ceremony.

c) For officials who have retired from provincial public security forces under central cities; Fire Prevention and Fighting Departments holding high-level positions, the Funeral Ceremony shall be organized by the unit where they worked before retirement.

Article 12. Preparatory Work

Before organizing the Funeral Ceremony, the main unit shall carry out the following tasks:

1. Establishing the Funeral Organization Committee.

2. Determining the location for the wake, funeral service, burial or cremation, electric cremation.

3. Determining the time for the wake, funeral service, burial or cremation, electric cremation.

4. Announcing the sad news and informing relevant agencies and units.

5. Preparing eulogies; portraits; medals, decorations (if any); representative wreaths, rotating wreaths; mourning bands, condolence books; funeral service vehicles; sound systems...

6. Arranging forces and units to serve the Funeral Ceremony such as honor guards; ceremonial music band (if any); officers and soldiers on duty beside the coffin, carrying flowers, carrying the coffin, leading condolences, registering condolences...

7. Preparing funds for the Funeral Ceremony in accordance with regulations.

Article 13. Funeral Organizing Committee

1. The Funeral Organizing Committee of the Ministry of Public Security shall consist of 13 to 15 members, decided by the Minister of Public Security; the Head of the Funeral Organizing Committee shall be a leader of the Ministry of Public Security.

2. The Funeral Organizing Committee of the General Corps, Command, Provincial Police, and centrally-administered city police shall consist of 11 to 13 members, decided by the unit's main organizing body for the funeral; the Head of the Funeral Organizing Committee shall be a leader of the unit's main organizing body for the funeral.

3. For high-ranking officials who retire and pass away, in addition to the members specified in Clause 1 and Clause 2 of this Article, the Funeral Organizing Committee shall also include representatives from the family, the Retirement Police Club Management Board, local party committees, and local authorities.

4. In special cases, the decision shall be made by the leadership of the Ministry of Public Security.

Article 14. Notice of Death, Eulogy, and Words of Gratitude

1. For those still in office or who have ceased holding the position of Central Committee Member of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Alternate Central Committee Member of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the notice of death shall be issued under the name of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Central Party Committee of the Public Security Force, the Ministry of Public Security, the unit where they worked, and their family (if they were a National Assembly Delegate, then the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam shall also be included). The notice of death shall be published on the first page of the People's Army Newspaper, the People's Public Security Newspaper, and the local newspaper of the deceased's hometown or place of birth (with a photo measuring 06cm x 09cm). The Vietnam Television, Voice of Vietnam Radio, Vietnam News Agency, and Public Security Television shall broadcast the notice of death.

The General Department for Building the Public Security Force shall coordinate with the Ministry's Office to prepare the notice of death, a summary of the biography, eulogy, words of gratitude, and photos of the deceased officer, taking into account the opinions of the family, and report to the Head of the Funeral Organizing Committee before publishing the notice.

2. The notice of death of the Central Party Committee of the Public Security Force, the Ministry of Public Security, the unit where the deceased officer worked, and their family shall be published on the first page of the People's Public Security Newspaper (with a photo measuring 06cm x 09cm and a summary of the biography for officers whose funerals are organized at a high level as stipulated in Article 10 of this Section, except for the case specified in Clause 1 of this Article). Publishing the notice of death on the People's Army Newspaper and broadcasting it on Vietnam Television shall be carried out according to the regulations of the Government.

The main organizing unit of the funeral shall coordinate with related units to prepare the notice of death, a summary of the biography, eulogy, words of gratitude, and photos of the deceased officer, take into account the opinions of the family, and report to the Head of the Funeral Organizing Committee before publishing the notice.

Article 15. Decoration of the Funeral Platform

1. The funeral platform shall be decorated with a black background, with white letters reading "We deeply mourn Comrade..." above.

2. The altar shall be placed in front and centered on the background, below the platform; on the altar shall be a photo of the deceased comrade measuring 40cm x 30cm, a medal stand, an incense burner, and a lamp.

3. The coffin shall be covered with a police flag (dimensions 3m x 2m) and placed on a central support structure on the platform, with the head facing towards the platform.

4. A small altar shall be placed below the coffin, containing an urn for the heads of visiting delegations to light incense; in front of the altar shall be a stand for wreaths brought by visiting delegations.

Article 16. Representative Wreaths and Rotating Wreaths

1. The Funeral Organizing Committee shall prepare two to four representative wreaths, red ribbons with gold lettering (dimensions 1.2m x 0.2m) from the Central Party Committee of the Public Security Force, the Ministry of Public Security, and the family. If the deceased was a Central Committee Member of the Communist Party of Vietnam, an Alternate Central Committee Member of the Communist Party of Vietnam, or a National Assembly Delegate, additional representative wreaths from the aforementioned organizations shall be placed on both sides of the altar.

2. The Funeral Organizing Committee shall prepare twenty-five rotating wreaths, black ribbons with white lettering (dimensions 1.2m x 0.2m) reading "We deeply mourn Comrade..."; in the notice of death, it shall be stated that visiting delegations should not bring wreaths and black ribbons but instead use the wreaths provided by the Funeral Organizing Committee.

Article 17. Guarding the Coffin, Honor Unit

1. Guarding the coffin shall consist of two majors and four non-commissioned officers and soldiers. The guarding time starts five minutes before the Visiting Ceremony and ends at the conclusion of the Memorial Service. In cases where the Visiting Ceremony lasts more than four hours, the Head of the Funeral Organization Committee shall decide on the appropriate guarding schedule based on the actual circumstances of the funeral venue.

2. The honor unit consists of forty members, including one commanding officer, three members of the Police Honor Guard, and leading officers. Ten to twelve soldiers will be responsible for carrying flowers.

3. Officers guarding the coffin shall be arranged by the unit organizing the funeral. Non-commissioned officers and soldiers guarding the coffin, carrying flowers, leading visitors, and the honor unit shall be undertaken by the Mobile Police Force.

Article 18. Vehicle Usage in the Funeral

1. From nine to thirteen vehicles shall be used, including:

- One traditional flag vehicle of the People's Public Security force, with photos and awards;

- Two vehicles for the Honor Unit;

- One vehicle for the Funeral Band;

- One vehicle for carrying flowers;

- One vehicle for carrying or towing the coffin;

- Two to four passenger vehicles for the family and officers and soldiers attending the funeral procession;

- One to two vehicles for the Funeral Organization Committee.

2. The traditional flag vehicle, vehicles for the Honor Unit, the Funeral Band, the flower-carrying vehicle, and the coffin-carrying vehicle (referred to as ceremonial vehicles) shall be handled by the Mobile Police Force. Vehicles for the family, officers and soldiers attending the funeral procession, and the Funeral Organization Committee shall be arranged by the unit organizing the funeral.

Article 19. Funeral Music

1. The People's Public Security Funeral Band shall provide music for the Visiting Ceremony, Memorial Service, and Burial (or Cremation) for cases falling under the subjects specified in Clause 1 and Point a of Clause 2 of Article 11 of this Section.

2. For other cases, the tape "Soul of the Fallen Soldier" shall be played during the Visiting Ceremony, Memorial Service, and Burial (or Cremation).

Article 20. Funeral Arrangement Procedure

1. Visiting Ceremony (the organizational diagram for the Visiting Ceremony is implemented according to Appendix 1 attached to this Circular).

Prior to organizing the Visiting Ceremony, a representative of the Funeral Organization Committee shall announce the Decision on the establishment of the Funeral Organization Committee; and inform the time for the Visiting Ceremony, Memorial Service, Funeral Procession, and Burial.

a) At the start of the visiting hour, when all funeral service forces and attendees have taken their positions as prescribed, the Funeral Organization Committee announces "The Visiting Ceremony for Comrade... begins."

b) Introduce visiting delegations.

c) Each delegation visits as follows:

 - Two soldiers carrying flowers lead the way;

- The head of the delegation;

- Delegation members walk in one or two columns;

- The escort officer walks slightly behind and to the right of the head of the delegation.

d) When the delegation enters to visit, the two soldiers carrying flowers stand ready, facing the wreath towards the delegation, presenting it. Then they turn the wreath around and slowly proceed in front of the delegation to the visiting position.

đ) Upon reaching the visiting position:

- The two soldiers carrying flowers stop, coordinate to place the wreath on the designated flower stand, face the wreath towards the visiting delegation, adjust it neatly, then move back to stand on both sides;

- The escort officer leads the visiting delegation to form a single row. Depending on the number of visiting delegations, they may be arranged in one or multiple rows. The head of the delegation stands in the middle of the row, and the escort officer stands to the right of the delegation.

e) Moment of silence:

Once the visiting delegation has stabilized its formation, the sound control operator plays the tape "Soul of the Fallen Soldier." If there is a People's Public Security Funeral Band, they play the song "Soul of the Fallen Soldier." Upon hearing the song "Soul of the Fallen Soldier," everyone in the visiting delegation observes a moment of silence. If wearing Public Security uniforms, they stand at attention and salute, looking down at the coffin. When the music stops, they cease saluting and observing the moment of silence. If there is no music, the head of the delegation calls out "One minute of silence begins," and officers and soldiers perform the farewell salute, ending the moment of silence when the time is up. If in civilian clothes, they stand at attention, look down at the coffin, and bid farewell to the deceased.

g) Walking around the coffin:

- The escort officer guides the visiting delegation to form a single column in the following order: head of the delegation, followed by other members of the delegation. The escort officer walks to the right of the head of the delegation, walking around from the right side of the coffin (inside the guard area) to the top of the coffin, then to the position where the family of the deceased is located, offering condolences, and finally exiting the visiting area. The head of the delegation signs the condolence book;

- The two soldiers carrying flowers from both sides enter and return the wreath to its designated location.

h) Subsequent delegations follow in sequence to pay their respects.

2. Memorial Service (the organizational diagram for the Memorial Service is implemented according to Appendix 2 attached to this Circular).

At the time of the Memorial Service, the Funeral Organization Committee invites leaders, members of the Funeral Organization Committee, funeral delegations, ceremonial units... to take their positions for the Memorial Service.

a) Once everyone has taken their positions, the Funeral Organization Committee declares: "The Memorial Service for Comrade... begins." Following that, they invite the Head of the Funeral Organization Committee to read the eulogy; after reading the eulogy, the Head of the Funeral Organization Committee declares: "Moment of silence begins."

- The sound control operator plays the tape "Soul of the Fallen Soldier," if there is a People's Public Security Funeral Band, they play the music "Soul of the Fallen Soldier."

- The Honor Unit performs the rifle salute. All attendees of the Memorial Service stand at attention and observe a moment of silence; officers and soldiers in Public Security uniforms stand at attention and salute. Upon completion of the music "Soul of the Fallen Soldier," representatives end the moment of silence, and the Honor Unit ceases the salute.

- A representative of the Funeral Organization Committee or a representative of the family expresses gratitude (if applicable).

b) The Funeral Organization Committee declares: "The Memorial Service for Comrade... concludes," then invites leaders, representatives, delegations, and the family to rest in place for five minutes and prepare for the final journey of the body of Comrade... The Funeral Band (if present), Honor Unit, and honor guards exit their positions. The working teams carry out their tasks as prescribed.

3. Funeral Procession

a) Transfer the coffin onto the funeral vehicle:

- The ceremonial team and funeral convoy arrange their formations as prescribed;

- Honor soldiers fold the Public Security flag over the coffin;

- Two soldiers bring the photo and award stand to the front of the coffin to lead the procession;

- The coffin-bearers lift the coffin onto the vehicle, with representatives of the Funeral Organization Committee and the family possibly participating in carrying the coffin;

- After the coffin is carried out, the order following the coffin is the family, leaders, followed by representatives and delegations...

- Arrive at the funeral vehicle, place the coffin on the funeral vehicle or the carrying frame. Soldiers carry the photograph and the medal stand to be placed on the police honor vehicle. For the funeral of officers with the rank of lieutenant or lower, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers without a police honor vehicle, the photograph and the medal stand (if any) shall be carried onto the funeral vehicle. The flower-carrying team places flowers and incense on the vehicle according to regulations.

- Leaders, family members, representatives, relatives... board the funeral vehicles.

b) Funeral procession: Once the coffin has been placed on the funeral vehicle (or the carrying frame), and all forces have prepared, the Funeral Organizing Committee issues the command for the funeral convoy to depart, in the following order (see Appendix 3 attached to this Circular):

- The Command Vehicle of the Funeral Organizing Committee;

- The Police Honor Vehicle, photograph, medals, and awards;

- The Honor Guard Team of the People's Public Security;

- The Music Band Transport Vehicle (if any);

- The Flower Transport Vehicle;

- The Coffin Transport Vehicle (or the carrying frame);

- The Family Vehicle;

- The Leader's Vehicle;

- The Unit Representative and Delegate Vehicle;

- The Funeral Organizing Committee Vehicle.

The speed, route, and distance of the funeral convoy are determined by the Funeral Organizing Committee. However, it must ensure that the route from the venue of the wake to the burial or cremation site is the most reasonable. The escort of the deceased's portrait through residential areas shall not be conducted. In special cases, the decision is made by the leadership of the Ministry.

4. Burial or Cremation Ceremony

a) Burial:

- The convoy arrives at the burial site, parks in designated positions, and ceremonial forces take their assigned positions;

- The coffin-bearers transfer the coffin and place it on the frame in front of the grave;

- Family members, leaders, and attendees of the burial ceremony stand behind the coffin according to the instructions of the Funeral Organizing Committee;

- The Honor Guard stands in two to four parallel rows facing the coffin, and the Ceremonial Music Band (if any) stands opposite the Honor Guard;

- Once all forces are in stable positions, the Funeral Organizing Committee announces: "The burial ceremony for Comrade... begins";

- The coffin-bearers lift the coffin and place it in the grave;

- The Funeral Organizing Committee announces "Lower the coffin";

- The grave-digging team performs the lowering of the coffin;

- Once the coffin is in position, the Funeral Organizing Committee invites the leaders and close relatives to throw the first handful of earth. Afterward, the family stands on the right or left side of the grave, and the leaders and delegates return to appropriate positions;

- The Funeral Organizing Committee announces: "Fill the grave";

- The grave-filling team performs the task of filling the grave;

- After the grave is filled, flowers are placed on the tomb;

- After placing the wreath on the tomb, the Funeral Organizing Committee announces "Farewell to Comrade... Moment of silence begins." The Honor Guard salutes with arms, and everyone present at the burial ceremony observes a moment of silence; - After the moment of silence, the Honor Guard "ceases saluting," and everyone ceases observing the moment of silence;

- Upon completion of the burial ceremony, the Funeral Organizing Committee announces "The burial ceremony for Comrade... concludes"; thanks the leaders, agencies, organizations, and then invites everyone present at the burial ceremony to walk around the tomb one last time, bidding farewell to the deceased. Delegates express condolences to the family and depart. The funeral service forces follow the instructions of the Funeral Organizing Committee and leave the burial site in sequence.

b) Cremation: The Funeral Organizing Committee coordinates with the Crematorium and the family to organize the cremation in accordance with regulations.

Article 21. Other Provisions

The location of the funeral, burial site, construction of the tomb, and costs are implemented in accordance with the provisions of Government Decree No. 105/2012/NĐ-CP dated December 17, 2012, and the guidance of the Ministry of Finance.

Section 3

FUNERAL OF ACTIVE STAFF MEMBERS WITH THE RANK OF COLONEL OR LOWER

Article 22. Unit in Charge of Organizing Funeral Services

1. For leaders of the Department Command; leaders at the Bureau, Department level, Provincial Police, City Police under the Central Government, Provincial Fire Prevention and Fighting Departments and equivalent positions who have passed away:

a) Leaders of the General Department, Department Command shall be responsible for organizing funeral services for cadres under their respective departments and commands. In cases where cadres from units under the Ministry pass away, the leader of the General Department for Building the People's Police Force shall be responsible, coordinating with the unit where the deceased cadre was affiliated to organize the funeral service;

b) Leaders of Provincial Police, City Police under the Central Government; Provincial Fire Prevention and Fighting Departments shall be responsible for coordinating with local authorities to organize funeral services for cadres from their units who have passed away.

2. Leaders of the General Department, Department Command; units under the Ministry; Provincial Police, City Police under the Central Government; Provincial Fire Prevention and Fighting Departments shall be responsible for organizing funeral services for cadres holding leadership positions at the Head of Division level and equivalent or cadres with the rank of Senior Colonel from units where they have passed away.

3. Leaders of the Department Command; Bureaus, Departments and equivalents; Provincial Police, City Police under the Central Government; Provincial Fire Prevention and Fighting Departments shall be responsible for organizing funeral services for cadres holding leadership positions at the Deputy Head of Division level and below or police officers with the rank of Senior Lieutenant Colonel and below from units where they have passed away. Depending on the specific circumstances of the unit, local police units will implement hierarchical delegation or authorization to organize funeral services for police officers from units where they have passed away as appropriate.

4. Police officers on temporary assignment who have passed away shall have their funeral services organized, depending on the specific situation and operational requirements, by the unit managing the temporarily assigned officer in coordination with the receiving agency and the family.

5. Police officers and soldiers studying, working, or receiving medical treatment abroad who have passed away shall have their funeral services organized by the police unit currently managing the officer, in coordination with the Fifth General Department, International Cooperation Bureau, Training Department, Embassy (or Vietnamese State representative office) in the host country, and the family.

6. Police officers and soldiers enrolled in centralized training at police academies and schools who have passed away shall have their funeral services organized by the academy director or school principal.

If the officer or soldier was enrolled in part-time study while working and has passed away, the funeral services shall be organized by the unit where the officer or soldier was employed, in coordination with the school.

7. Police officers and soldiers sent to study at non-police institutions who have passed away shall have their funeral services organized by the unit directly managing the salary or living expenses of the officer or soldier during their studies.

Article 23. Preparation Work

The preparation work for organizing funeral services shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Article 12, Section 2, Chapter of this Law.

Article 24. Funeral Service Organizing Committee

The leader of the unit in charge of organizing funeral services shall decide to establish a Funeral Service Organizing Committee, with the head of the committee being a leader of the unit in charge of organizing funeral services. The number and composition of the Funeral Service Organizing Committee shall be decided by the unit in charge of organizing funeral services.

Article 25. Posting of Obituaries

1. The Ministry of Public Security, units, and families named to post obituaries on page 2 of the People's Public Security Newspaper for cadres who have sacrificed their lives or passed away, as specified in Clause 1 of Article 22 of this Section.

Departments, Commands under the Ministry; Provincial Police Departments, Municipal Police Departments directly under the Central Government; Departments of Fire Prevention and Fighting; and families named to post obituaries on page 2 of the People's Public Security Newspaper for cadres who have sacrificed their lives or passed away at the level of departmental leadership, district-level leadership, and equivalent positions; colonels, senior colonels; Heroes of the Armed Forces; Labor Heroes; People's Doctors; People's Teachers; National Artists; Professors.

The posting of obituaries on the People's Newspaper or other mass media outlets for these cases shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Decree No. 105/2012/NĐ-CP dated December 17, 2012 of the Government.

2. The personnel organization agencies of the main organizing unit for the funeral shall prepare the obituary, consult with the family, and obtain approval from the Head of the Funeral Organizing Committee before publishing it in the People's Newspaper and the People's Public Security Newspaper.

Article 26. Location of Funeral and Burial Site

1. For cadres and public security soldiers who sacrifice their lives or pass away in a locality, the funeral and burial or cremation shall take place in the cemetery of that locality according to regulations.

2. In cases where the family wishes to bring the body back for burial in another locality's cemetery, the Head of the Funeral Organizing Committee shall make a decision based on regulations and the opinion of the hospital.

Article 27. Decoration of the Memorial Platform

Where the location of the funeral has the necessary conditions, the memorial platform shall be decorated as prescribed in Article 15 of Section 2 of Chapter 2 of this Law. In other places, the memorial platform shall be decorated appropriately and solemnly according to specific circumstances.

Article 28. Representative Wreaths and Rotating Wreaths

1. The Funeral Organizing Committee shall prepare two representative wreaths and black ribbons with white letters reading: "Deeply mourned comrade..." placed on both sides of the altar.

2. The Funeral Organizing Committee shall prepare between ten and twenty rotating wreaths and black ribbons measuring 1.2m x 0.2m with white letters reading: "Deeply mourned comrade..."; in the announcement of the obituary, it shall be noted: Delegations coming to pay respects should not bring wreaths and black ribbons but instead use those prepared by the Funeral Organizing Committee.

Article 29. Guarding the Coffin and Honor Units

1. Guarding the coffin (the time spent guarding the coffin shall be implemented as prescribed in Clause 1 of Article 17 of Section 2 of Chapter 2 of this Law):

- Major General, Senior Colonel: Two officers of the rank of colonel or captain and four non-commissioned officers or soldiers;

- Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel: Two officers of the rank of captain and four non-commissioned officers or soldiers;

- Captain and non-commissioned officers or soldiers: Four non-commissioned officers or soldiers.

2. Honor Unit, Carrying Flowers:

- Officers of the rank of colonel: Twenty-four members, including one commanding officer and three members of the Public Security Honor Guard Team. Between eight and ten soldiers will carry flowers.

- Officers of the rank of captain and non-commissioned officers or soldiers: Thirteen members, including one commander. Eight soldiers will carry flowers.

3. Officers guarding the coffin shall be undertaken by the main organizing unit for the funeral. Non-commissioned officers and soldiers guarding the coffin, carrying flowers, leading delegations, and honor units shall be undertaken by the Mobile Police Force.

Article 30. Use of Vehicles in Funeral Services

1. Number of Vehicles Used in Funeral Services

- Senior Lieutenants and Colonels shall use from 7 to 9 vehicles including: 01 traditional flag vehicle of the People's Police force, 01 honor guard vehicle, 01 flower-laden vehicle, 01 coffin-laden vehicle, 02 to 03 passenger vehicles for family members and officers and soldiers attending the funeral, and 01 vehicle for the Funeral Organizing Committee.

- Majors and Lieutenants shall use from 5 to 7 vehicles including: 01 traditional flag vehicle of the People's Police force, 01 honor guard vehicle, 01 coffin-laden vehicle, 01 to 02 passenger vehicles for family members and officers and soldiers attending the funeral, and 01 vehicle for the Funeral Organizing Committee.

- Officers and non-commissioned officers and soldiers shall use from 3 to 5 vehicles including: 01 coffin-laden vehicle, 01 honor guard vehicle, 01 to 03 vehicles for family members, the Funeral Organizing Committee, and officers and soldiers attending the funeral.

2. Ceremonial vehicles for funeral services shall be provided by the Mobile Police Force. Vehicles for family members, the Funeral Organizing Committee, and officers and soldiers attending the funeral shall be provided by the unit organizing the funeral service.

Article 31. Music for Funeral Services

The "Soul of the Martyr" music tape shall be used during the mourning ceremony and the memorial service.

Article 32. Procedure for Organizing Funeral Services

The procedure for organizing funeral services shall be carried out according to the provisions set forth in Clause 2, Section 2, Chapter II of this Regulation.

Section 4

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR RETIRED OFFICERS

Article 33. Subjects Eligible for Funeral Services According to the Ceremonial Procedures of the People's Police Force

Retired officers who were active in revolutionary activities before 1945, pre-revolutionary officers, Heroes of the Armed Forces, Labor Heroes, National Assembly Deputies, People's Doctors, People's Teachers, National Artists, Professors, Department-level leaders, County-level police officers and equivalent positions; retired officers with the rank of Colonel who pass away, if funeral services are organized at locations where conditions permit the ceremonial procedures of the People's Police Force, shall be organized according to the regulations applicable to active-duty senior lieutenants and colonels who have passed away.

Article 34. Units Responsible for Organizing Funeral Services

1. For retired officers falling under the category specified in Article 33 of this Section who pass away and reside in a locality, the Provincial Police or Municipal Police of that locality shall take the lead in coordinating with their former workplace, local authorities, and family members to organize the funeral service. If they retire from units under the Ministry's agencies in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, the lead shall be taken by the former workplace at the Bureau or Department level, coordinating with the Police, local authorities, and family members to organize the funeral service. In cases where the officer's former workplace has been merged (or divided, dissolved), the provisions of Clause 2, Article 5 of this Circular shall apply.

For retired officers holding positions such as Deputy Director-General, Deputy Director, and equivalent positions who were active in revolutionary activities before 1945; Heroes of the Armed Forces, Labor Heroes; National Assembly Deputies; People's Doctors, People's Teachers, National Artists, Professors working in units under the Ministry's agencies in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City who pass away, the General Department, Military Command, or subordinate units of the Ministry where the officer worked before retirement shall take the lead in coordinating with the Police, local authorities, and family members to organize the funeral service.

2. For retired officers not falling under the category specified in Article 33 of this Section who pass away, the local authority and family members shall take the lead in coordinating with the County Police where the officer resided to organize the funeral service. The unit where the officer retired may send a delegation to pay respects or send wreaths if it is far away.

Article 35. Funeral Organizing Committee

The main organizing unit decides to establish a Funeral Organizing Committee, with the Head of the Funeral Organizing Committee being a leader from the main organizing unit. The Funeral Organizing Committee includes representatives from the Public Security, local authorities where the deceased officer resided, representatives from the Retired Police Club, and family members.

Article 36. Announcing the Bereavement Notice

1. The Ministry of Public Security, the unit, and the family shall announce the bereavement notice on page 2 of the People's Public Security Newspaper for officers who were former leaders of the Command, leaders at the Department, Bureau level, provincial public security forces, municipal public security forces under the central government, provincial fire prevention and firefighting departments, and equivalent positions.

The General Department, Command, Department, Bureau... and the family shall announce the bereavement notice on page 2 of the People's Public Security Newspaper for officers who were former leaders at the departmental and district levels; officers with the rank of Major General, Senior Colonel; Heroes of the Armed Forces, Labor Heroes, People's Medical Practitioners, People's Educators, National Artists, Professors.

The posting of obituaries on the People's Newspaper or other mass media outlets for these cases shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Decree No. 105/2012/NĐ-CP dated December 17, 2012 of the Government.

2. The personnel organization agency of the main funeral organizing unit prepares the bereavement notice, consults with the family, and obtains approval from the Head of the Funeral Organizing Committee before publishing it in newspapers or mass media.

Section 5

FUNERAL OF PUBLIC SECURITY WORKERS

Article 37. Ceremonies and Responsibilities for Organizing the Funeral

1. Public security workers receiving state budget salaries who have passed away shall be organized for funerals according to the regulations stipulated in Decree No. 105/2012/ND-CP dated December 17, 2012, of the Government for civil servants and officials of state agencies who have passed away.

2. Public security workers who die while performing their duties shall be organized for funerals according to the ceremonies of the People's Public Security force as prescribed for officers of the rank of Captain and above who die while serving.

3. Public security workers who pass away due to direct management by the unit and the family organize the funeral.

4. Public security workers who have retired and passed away shall be organized for funerals by the local authorities and the family in coordination with the unit they worked for prior to retirement.

Chapter 6

FUNERAL EXPENSES

Article 38. State-Level Funerals and High-Level Funerals

Expenses for organizing state-level and high-level funerals within the People's Public Security force as specified in Sections 1 and 2 of this Chapter shall be implemented according to Decree No. 105/2012/ND-CP dated December 17, 2012, of the Government and guiding documents of the Ministry of Finance.

Article 39. Funerals of Public Security Officers and Soldiers Currently Serving with Ranks Below Major General

1. Funeral expenses for the cases specified in Section 3 of this Chapter: In addition to the burial allowance provided by the Social Insurance Law (equivalent to 10 months of the national minimum wage), the Ministry of Public Security will provide additional support of 12 months of the national minimum wage as stipulated by the Government at the time the officer or soldier passes away.

2. If the family of an officer or soldier currently serving who dies takes responsibility for organizing the funeral, the unit where the officer or soldier died shall pay the family the funeral expenses as specified in Clause 1 above.

Article 40. Funerals of Retired Public Security Officers

Funeral expenses for retired public security officers who pass away and are eligible for funerals according to the ceremonies of the People's Public Security force as stipulated in Article 33, Section 4 of this Chapter shall be borne and settled by the family with the Social Insurance Office where they reside. The main organizing unit of the funeral ensures the funding for the ceremonial part of the People's Public Security force such as honor guards, honors, and transportation for the honor guard and honor units.

Chapter III

REGULATIONS ON VISITING PUBLIC SECURITY OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS; RELATIVES OF PUBLIC SECURITY OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS; HEADS AND DEPUTY HEADS OF COMMUNE POLICE STATIONS AND CURRENTLY SERVING POLICE OFFICERS WHO HAVE PASSED AWAY

Article 41. Subjects to be visited

1. Police officers and soldiers who are currently working or have retired and died.

2. Relatives of police officers and soldiers who are currently working and have died include: biological father, biological mother; father-in-law, mother-in-law, or father-in-law, mother-in-law; the person directly raising the police officer or soldier from childhood; wife or husband; child.

3. Chiefs and Deputy Chiefs of Public Security Stations and Village Police Officers who are currently working and have died.

Article 42. Levels of Visiting Organization

1. For police officers and soldiers who have died and their relatives who are currently working and belong to the unit where they died, that unit shall visit. In cases where it is too far from the unit's headquarters, the unit shall exchange and request the local Public Security agency organizing the funeral ceremony to represent the visit. The organization of visiting the relatives of police officers and soldiers who are currently working and have died shall be carried out according to the levels specified for organizing the funeral ceremony for police officers and soldiers who have died. The leader or representative of the unit responsible for organizing the funeral ceremony for police officers and soldiers who have died at a certain level shall visit the relatives of police officers and soldiers at that level.

2. For Chiefs and Deputy Chiefs of Public Security Stations and Village Police Officers who are currently working and have died, the Public Security agency at the district level directly managing them shall organize the visit.

Article 43. Budget for Visiting

The unit (as stipulated in Article 42 of this Chapter) visiting police officers and soldiers; relatives of police officers and soldiers; Chiefs and Deputy Chiefs of Public Security Stations and Village Police Officers who are currently working and have died shall be allocated funds to purchase wreaths, incense, candles, etc., equivalent to one month of the national minimum wage as prescribed by the Government at the time of the visit.

Chapter IV

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 44. Guaranteeing the Budget

The budget for organizing the funeral ceremony as stipulated in Section 6 of Chapter II and the budget for organizing visits as stipulated in Article 43 of Chapter III of this Circular shall be guaranteed by the Ministry of Public Security's budget.

Article 45. Effective Date

1. This Circular takes effect from May 1, 2013.

2. This Circular replaces Circular No. 22/2011/TT-BCA dated April 26, 2011 of the Ministry of Public Security and previous guiding documents of the Ministry of Public Security that conflict with this Circular.

Article 46. Responsibility for Implementation

1. Comrades General Directors; Heads of units under the Ministry; Provincial Public Security Directors, centrally-administered city Public Security Directors; Directors of Fire Prevention and Fighting Departments are responsible for disseminating this Circular to officers and soldiers under their units and organizing its implementation.

2. The Mobile Police Command is responsible for providing detailed guidance on the uniforms and equipment of honor guards and arranging formations during the visit ceremony, funeral ceremony, funeral procession, and burial ceremony to ensure uniformity within the People's Public Security force.

3. The General Department of Building the Public Security Force is responsible for providing guidance, inspection, and recommending solutions for any difficulties arising during the implementation of this Circular. During the implementation of this Circular, if there are any difficulties, Public Security units and localities shall report to the Ministry (through the General Department of Building the Public Security Force) for study and resolution.

During the implementation of this Circular, if there are any difficulties, Public Security units and localities shall report to the Ministry (through the General Department of Building the Public Security Force) for study and resolution./.